History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, One of the Oldest Jain Temple, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Old Delhi, India
Shri Digambar Jain Laal Mandir stands out as one of the most magnificent and revered Jain temples in India, situated in the heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk – a place where mostly Mughal and Hindu architecture dominates everywhere, this temple further embarks the secular spirit of Delhi and its culture. The busy street of the Chandni Chowk Market from the Red Fort’s end starts with the temple being the hallmark of its vibrancy, richness and heritage. It welcomes the crowd with a symbol of the significance of the Jain community in business, merchandise and the development of urban centres. The temple houses the tirthankar idol, which is greatly revered in Jainism.
The Mandir complex dates back to the time around 1656 when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was establishing Shahajahanabad, his dream capital. He is said to offer incentivised land to Jain and Aggarwal communities to set up production units in the place and get involved in the planned development of the urban centre. As Jains began to settle in large numbers, there emerged a need for a place of worship. The exact site of the temple, as mentioned by Jain Scholar Balbhadra Jain, is actually the personal tent of a Jain officer of the Mughal Army who set up a ‘tirthankar’ statue in the premises that gradually started attracting people from the community for worship and subsequently Digambar Jain Laal Mandir was built.
The architecture of the temple complex is symbolic of the grandeur and prestigious position that Jains held in medieval Delhi. Though most of the main ‘shikharas’ and balconies were added post-independence, the temple had always been a bustling place with devotees coming from all religions coming and paying their reverence. The manastambha column (an important feature of Jain temples in North India) stands in front of the main tower heads, which hosts a number of shrines, the main being of Lord Mahavira. The complex has a soothing touch to it as the gold-plated paintwork of the shrine area gives it a peaceful ambience under the lights of butter spotlights and candles. Spirituality mixed with vibrancy harbours in the entire premises of the temple.
The springing balconies on the sides of the temple give a spectacular view of the Chandni Chowk Market.
The temple comes to a more lively motion during the Jain festivals of Paryushana, Ashtanhika Parv, Janma Kalyanak and many more including Diwali. The temple compound along with the bird hospital and bookstore that it houses are all lit up with ferry lights, astonishing decorations of shrines, the flower decked balconies and the gallery becomes a visual treat for the visitors. Visiting the temple on these occasions would add on to one’s experience of Delhi and its’ heritage.
Of the many legends about the temple, one claims that Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb once ordered a prohibition on all musical implements in the temple. Conversely, sounds of drums could be still heard springing from the temple despite regular inspections from the officers. Aurganzeb then has to himself visit the temple to see the miracle, and finally, lifted the ban.
Balbhadra Jain states that one of the many idols in the temple was made in 1491, and was at first mounted by Bhattaraka Jinachandra.
Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir Timings
The temple is open all days a week but at specific timings to manage large crowds in the complex.
Monday – Thursday: 6 am–12 pm, reopens at 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Friday – 6 am–1pm, reopens at 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Saturday – 6 am–12 pm, reopens at 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Sunday – 6 am – 1 pm, reopening time 5:30 pm –9 pm
How to Reach Digambar Jain Lal Temple Delhi, The Capital of India
Delhi being the capital of India and largest metropolitan area of India, and major tourist destination, of India where people across the world visits around the year. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Delhi has multiple major railway junction from where you can get train to all region of India. Delhi has domestic and international Airport from where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to city center. Delhi is located at 46 km from Noida, 40 km from Gurugram, 242 km from Agra, 41 km from Gaziabad, 243 km from Chandigarh. You can get direct buses and train from almost all cities to reach Delhi.
